Chicago condominium management and community services: Expert insights from FirstService Residential

FirstService Residential has served Illinois communities for more than six decades, combining local service structure with the depth of resources of an industry leader. In this interview-style feature, we sat down with Margaret Shamberger, Regional Director, to explore how FirstService supports high‑rise living, condominium operations, and co‑ops across Chicagoland—especially as technology, regulations, and resident expectations evolve.
 

Chicago condominium management trends and insights: An interview with Margaret Shamberger

How does FirstService’s local service structure meet the diverse needs of Chicago condominium management?

"Our model blends neighborhood‑rooted property managers with specialized services like resident support and advanced accounting, so boards get day‑to‑day community management plus enterprise‑level tools. That balance matters in Chicago, where associations range from boutique co‑ops to luxury condos with complex amenity and staffing needs."

Margaret Shamberger, Regional Director, FirstService Residential Illinois

Learn more about our trusted Chicago property management services delivered by local experts on our page here.
 

What specialized services matter most for high‑rise living?

"For verticals, reliability and safety are paramount—preventive maintenance programs, vendor management, and 24/7 support keep elevators moving and building systems humming. We also leverage condominium management technology (like digital resident portals) to streamline communications and elevate the resident experience."

Want to learn more about our high-rise property management services and solutions? From property inspections to preparing bid specifications, learn more about what we can offer your building here. 
 

How is technology reshaping condominium services?

"Managers are inundated with repetitive tasks—amenity bookings, account inquiries, maintenance requests. Tools such as our Homeowner Digital Assistant (HODA) and Resident Support Services reduce email volume so property managers can focus on strategic projects, professional growth, and coaching/mentoring onsite teams."

Learn more about our proprietary property management technology solutions here.
 

Where in Chicagoland does FirstService operate, and how do needs differ by neighborhood?

"We’re proud to support communities in the city of Chicago like Gold Coast, River North, West Loop, Hyde Park, Bronzeville, South Loop, Streeterville, along with many suburban properties like Oak Brook, Western Spring, Orland Park, Flossmoor and more . Each area presents unique needs.

Luxury condos and high‑rises often require concierge services while communities in the Gold Coast and Streeterville require expertise in mixed‑use properties. Amenity‑rich lofts in River North and West Loop require expert staff to maintain facilities. Hyde Park and Bronzeville are a combination of historic condominiums and co‑ops near cultural institutions."

What advantages does a larger company offer over smaller competitors in today’s regulatory environment?

"Scale matters. Illinois associations are navigating evolving rules, like accessible parking policies added to the Illinois Condominium Property Act (Section 18.12), and proposed reserve study requirements debated in the 2025 session. Our legal and compliance teams track local law and statewide updates, providing boards with templates, training, and industry benchmarks."

Visit our Illinois property management page to learn more about our global resources provided throughout the state.
 

Can you elaborate on those regulatory changes?

"Recent accessible parking provisions require condo associations to adopt written policies prioritizing disabled owners and clarifying that accessible spaces in new or converted condos remain common elements—an operational shift for boards and managers.

Meanwhile, HB 2563 / SB 1703 would require reserve studies every five years for most associations (exempting 15 units or fewer). FirstService’s depth of resources helps communities implement compliant processes quickly."

Read our article 'Illinois HOA laws: A complete guide' to learn more about local legislation impacting the industry and how we support compliance.
 

How do industry benchmarks support budgeting and contract renewal decisions?

"Our BENCHMARK tool and specialized services help boards compare operating costs, evaluate manager retention and client retention trends, and negotiate better rates with qualified vendors. This informs contract renewal timing and property transition planning when associations change management, ensuring continuity and resident satisfaction."

• Download our master-planned community BENCHMARK report here.
   
• Download our high-rise BENCHMARK report here.

How does FirstService reduce manager turnover?

"We invest in future leader development. Through structured training, coaching, and mentoring we educate our community association managers on best practices related to communication, accounting, vendor compliance, technology and more. That professional development improves manager retention and strengthens resident experience."

How does FirstService approach luxury condos versus smaller associations?

"Luxury condos often require complex staffing, amenity programming, maintenance scheduling, and regular communication preparation. Our local experts not only have a deep understanding of these property types, but they have access to a dedicated internal team that helps with 24/7 customer support, administrative needs, and project management to name a few."

What should boards look for when evaluating Chicago condominium management partners?

"Seek a partner with: Proven high‑rise and co‑op expertise in Chicago neighborhoods, robust resources (customer care, finance, tech), transparency, and strong manager retention. FirstService combines local service structure with enterprise resources—an approach built for today’s complex condominium operations."

Visit our Illinois HOA board members page to learn more about the support we provide to boards.
 

Voices from Chicago residents

"FSR provides checks and balances… core employees are fluent in state law and adhere to it… there is a willingness to listen to boards."

J.H., Chicago, IL

"Extremely professional, responsive and easy to deal with… seamless project management."

D.H., Chicago, IL

Why boards choose FirstService in Illinois

Boards across Illinois—Chicago, Naperville, Highland Park and beyond—choose FirstService because we pair industry experts with the depth of resources needed to navigate high‑rise living and co‑op/condominium operations. From 24/7 support to consolidated vendor programs and condominium management technology, our scale helps communities streamline operations, enhance resident experience, and plan confidently amid changing regulations.
 

About our footprint

We manage communities as far north as the Illinois/Wisconsin border to parts of Indiana. Covering city of Chicago neighborhoods like River North, Streeterville, Lincoln Park, The Loop, West Loop, South Loop, Gold Coast, Hyde Park, and suburban cities including Evanston, Highland Park, Schaumburg, Wheaton, Naperville, and Tinley Park.

This local coverage ensures tailored solutions for high‑rise, condominiums, co‑ops, townhomes, single-family homes, master planned, and 55 and better communities with diverse needs.
 

Final word

Community management today isn’t “local vs. large.” It’s about giving boards both: local expertise and enterprise support. With technology, specialized services, and coaching for property managers, FirstService helps Illinois associations raise the bar on service—building stronger communities and long‑term retention of both managers and clients.

To learn more about how we can support your condominium, contact us today.